About us
“One of my favourite things about Regenerate is their passion for education. They talk to the pupils in an appropriate way, simplifying questions and listening
to their opinions, thoughts and feelings.” Teacher
Who we are
Regenerate is a Christian schools work charity operating in the Yate and Chipping Sodbury area and supported by the local churches. We are passionate about serving our local schools and bringing hope to children and young people. The organisation started life nearly twenty years ago with a team of volunteers going into local schools to take assemblies. Over the years the work has grown and in 2007 we became a registered charity. Today we regularly go into 15 primary schools working with children and young people through clubs, assemblies, workshops and mentoring.
Our Vision
To be an agent of change, living out and proclaiming the good news, unconditional love and hope of Jesus Christ in order to bring wholeness to the children, young people and families of Yate, Chipping Sodbury and surrounding areas.
Our Aims
- To enable children and young people to explore their spiritual, moral and emotional well-being from a Christian world view.
- To empower children and young people to overcome obstacles in their lives.
Our Funding
We have a number of different funding streams.
Our member churches make financial donations, along with regular individual donors, one-off gifts and fundraising events.
We also apply for grants from other organisations.
“Pupils respond to Regenerate because we are confident in your team.” Primary School Teacher
Our trustees
Our work is overseen by our Board of Trustees. These are our current trustees.
Ruth Wallace
Chair
I trained as a teacher at Homerton College, Cambridge and qualified with a B.ED in Religious Studies and Education.
Since then I have worked in a secondary school in Hertfordshire and also in Surrey, where I was Head of Religious Studies and PSHE.
Between these two I raised a family and also served overseas with CMS in South Sudan and with Tearfund in Guinea Bissau, West Africa.
More recently I have been teaching ESOL with City of Bristol College.
Last year, I retired from teaching (officially).
I am married, with 2 boys in their 20s, and live in Yate. I worship in the Parish of Yate.
Nicola Bright
Secretary
I am originally from Exeter and moved to Yate when I met my husband. We have been blessed with 2 sons. We worship at Christ the Rock Christian Fellowship.
After getting a Business Degree at UWE, I worked for an Insurance company for a few years, before training as a Primary School teacher. I taught for 13 years in Yate.
My husband and I felt called by God in 2016 to train and become Foster Carers and so as well as looking after our own boys, we also welcome other children into our home to care for.
I saw the work of Regenerate in action when I was teaching. I was asked to join the Trustees in 2014. I also volunteer, helping out at our Easter, Christmas and Moving On Wonder Spaces.
Ian Hodgson
Treasurer
My name is Ian. I am married to Bev, who is an adult care social worker. Our son Tim is studying criminology at UWE. Before retiring I worked in business and financial administration in the civil service.
We have lived in this area for almost 25 years, although Bev’s job recently took us to the Isles of Scilly for 2 years.
Bev and I have been volunteering with Regenerate for
over 5 years, and we attend St Mary’s Parish Church in Yate. I am also a local primary school governor and a member of Rotary.
In my spare time I like to travel, enjoy photography and watching cricket – and will admit to being a Spurs fan!
Sharon Toogood
I trained as a Primary School teacher and started teaching at Stanbridge Primary School in Downend in 1989. I taught EYFS and Year 1 children and led PSHE across the school. I officially retired in 2022 but continue to work there as a cover/supply teacher. Children and education have always been my passion and I love teaching!
I regularly worship at Christ the Rock Christian Fellowship in Yate and it was there that I heard of the work of Regenerate. I joined the trustees in 2023 and have also been involved in the Christmas and Easter Wonder Spaces, which I really enjoyed.
I live in Frampton Cotterell with my husband Mark who was a Primary School headteacher for many years. We are blessed with 2 wonderful daughters.
I volunteer at a local Foodbank and a Community Cafe run by members of my church. I enjoy walking and going to Zumba classes!
Paul Belcher
I am from south Wales and moved to this area in 2011. After working in local government and higher education I retired in 2013 but have carried on in a part time capacity working with online students studying at a university in the East Midlands. I am married to Helen, and we have four grown up children and nine grandchildren. We worship in Yate Parish.
I have been involved in church since my early twenties. This has involved working with children and young people and supporting and training those involved in such activities.
In my spare time I like reading and travelling with my wife in our touring caravan.
Rachel Moors
Biog to follow…
Hugh Wilson
Biog to follow…
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Our schools work
Our Pastoral Mentors Deborah Williams and Rachel Rogers lead the team of volunteers.
Our volunteers are local people who belong to various churches in the town. They work as a team alongside Deborah and Rachel to deliver our schools work.
All our staff and volunteers are DBS checked.
Rachel Rogers
Primary Schools Pastoral Mentor
I am married to Jason and we have three wonderful children. We have lived in Yate since 1999.
I am a member of Jacobs Well Community Church. I started helping with Regenerate when my youngest child started school and I haven’t stopped! I love Regenerate’s vision to live out the good news of God’s love for everyone. I love storytelling and anything creative.
Deborah Williams
Primary Schools Pastoral Mentor
I am married to Martyn and we have lived in Yate over 22 years and love it here, our 4 children have all completed their school life here. I have been involved in youth or children’s work for over 25 years, having originally worked as a nurse in Intensive Care. God often has very different plans than ours!
Stay in touch
There are many ways to keep up to date with us.